Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Japan's fluffiest, jiggliest pancakes come to Bangkok.

The buzz: Osaka's much-hyped souffle pancake specialist follows its international foray into Hong Kong by opening on the ground floor of Siam Paragon, where it’s already causing queues of up to a couple of hours.

The decor: Just like its 50+ branches in Japan (there are 13 in Osaka alone), the store comes in tasteful tones of green, white and blond wood. Though you’re smack-bang in the middle of the mall, creepers that dangle above each table give the feeling of dining in a peaceful garden. The floor-to-ceiling windows give plenty of opportunity for envious onlookers.

The food: Gram's main claim to fame is its 4cm-thick premium fluffy pancakes (B295), which come in stacks of three layered with “Nama cream”—that is, maple syrup, butter and whipped cream. These wobbly wonders are the stuff of Instagram dreams and the flavors also don’t disappoint. A new hand-size takeaway version is also available for B75. Another must-try is the tiramisu pancakes (B275), which combines the two dessert favorites to perfection. For those craving an actual meal, the pancakes come in savory form, too: with bacon and scrambled eggs (B275) or salmon and avocado (B295).

The drinks: You can choose from the usual coffee and tea (from B75) or, if the pancake-guilt is strong, opt for the sweet and sour berry smoothie (B115)—just beware: it too comes topped with cream.

Why we’d come back: Does Gram reinvent the pancake game? We’re not sure. But what do know is it’s totally worth the wait when you see those pancakes jiggle! Petpailin Kirdsaeng